Barrington employee named Hero in Longterm Care for 2013

By Emily Altimari, Community Contributor

BARRINGTON, Ill. – The Health Care Council of Illinois, Illinois Health Care Association and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care recently announced their 2013 selection of Heroes in Long Term Care at nursing facilities throughout the state. Rehab aide Karen Sanchez has been honored as a Hero in Long Term Care for her dedication to providing the highest quality of life for nursing home residents at Alden Estates of Barrington.

The annual program highlights the hard work of nursing home staff in Illinois, such as nurses, administrators, building maintenance workers, laundry attendants and activity staff, as well as the contributions of facility residents and volunteers.

“From the minute residents wake up to when they go to bed at night, nursing home staff work to make their days brighter,” Pat Comstock, executive director of Health Care Council of Illinois, said. “Many residents aren’t able to get out in the community, so staff becomes a part of the resident’s family.”

A career in long term care comes with a bevy of challenges. It is a profession that constantly changes and evolves.

“The work we do is not easy and it never stops,” said Lorrie Woebbeking, administrator at Alden Estates of Barrington. “To work in the long term care industry there is an unwritten requirement… you have to have a heart for caring.”

Karen Sanchez has this quality in spades. She is dependable and hard working. She has genuine concern for the well-being of her residents each and every day.

“She is a patient advocate first and foremost,” said Woebbeking, “and is someone that I am proud to have the opportunity to work with.”

As a rehab aide she challenges residents and continuously encourages them to set goals for their physical health, and to not only meet them but to maintain them, as well as their independence. Sanchez’s honesty and her positive attitude inspire those around her.

“Nursing home staff truly represent the heart and soul of long term care in Illinois,” David Voepel, executive director of the Illinois Health Care Association, said. “Heroes in Long Term Care are people who go above and beyond to make sure nursing home residents have the best possible quality of life.”

Nursing home professionals work in a unique environment that demands technical skills along with incredible amounts of compassion. They care for frail, vulnerable and elderly citizens who not only need around-the-clock medical care, but also a place to call home.

“These individuals are committed to optimizing the health, outlook and well-being of the residents we serve,” Susan Duda-Gardiner, interim director of the Illinois Council on Long Term Care, said. “For that, we’re deeply grateful and hopeful their communities will celebrate their dedication.”

The Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) is a professional association of more than 500 skilled nursing facilities committed to quality residential health care in Illinois through a productive and responsible partnership between the private and public sectors. HCCI represents nursing homes serving more than 80,000 residents. HCCI serves as the political and media relations arm of both the Illinois Health Care Association and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care.